Legends & Lattes Book Review

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Series: Legends & Lattes #1
Published by Tor on November 10, 2022
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 308
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads

She's done slaying monsters. She's ready to serve coffee.
After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream - for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.
If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can't go it alone. Help might arrive from unexpected quarters - yet rivals old and new stand in the way of success. And Thune's shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.
But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv could ever have imagined.
Legends & Lattes is a cosy, heartwarming story of found family, fresh starts - and the perfect cup of coffee.

This book was like a warm drink and a comfy sofa. Legends & Lattes is the pinnacle of an adventure book without the adventure. I adored the way the fantasy world was secondary to this small coffee shop and its patrons. I fell in love with everyone I met and rooted for them when things seemed to be going tits up. It was a phenomenal read and I am clambering for the prequel.

Characters in Legends & Lattes

The characters are what make Legends & Lattes what it is. They are stunningly put together and such an interesting part of the story but are completely mundane in their lives. The book follows Viv an Orc who has had enough of shedding blood and wants to settle down to an easier life, running a coffee shop. Watching her collect people and seeing each of the relationship blossom and bloom genuinely warmed my heart. I sobbed with her when things went wrong and literally whooped when she got herself back together again. It was a rollercoaster of a ride and Viv was a shining star all the way through, her intricate backstory and insecurities felt so real it was almost like having a best friend in book form.

The selection of supporting characters were also some of the highlights, with grumpy Cal guiding her in all things building related, Tandri being her second in command and Thimble creating wonderful pastries to eat, each brought something new and interesting to the story. It was like watching old friends rediscover themselves, and rely on each other. I fell in love with each and everyone of them and would read this book over and over again to relive the friendship and love between them all.

Bad Bits in Legends & Lattes

It’s not very often it happens but there was not one thing wrong with this book, and I won’t hear anyone tell me otherwise.

Good Bits

I don’t even know where to start. Baldree’s writing draws you in, and weaves a story that completely encapsulates you. When I tell you I could smell the coffee and pastry I’m not lying. There is something magical about Legends & Lattes when a book can so perfectly meld a magical world with the mundane. Who would have thought an Orc running a coffee shop could be so entertaining? What I really enjoyed was the fact that even the dangerous parts of the plot and the more action sequences never overtook the friendships or primary storyline which was the Coffee Shop.

The smatterings of Viv’s background we get are beautifully intwined within the story, you can really see her battling the two sides of her character. I loved meeting her old gang and seeing the differences and similarities between them and her found family.

What now?

I am sat waiting until I can get my hands on Bookshops & Bonedust. I cannot wait until I can read more of Viv and her life before the coffee shop. The only thing that worries me is that the dynamics won’t be the same and it’ll be missing that cosy feeling.

Have you read this one? What was your favourite bit? Let me know!